loi MEMOIRS OF 



arbitrator and supreme guide of public opinion ; 

 these are the essential objects of science. This 

 is how she contributes to the advancement of 

 civihzation ; this is why she merits the protection 

 of those governments, who, desirous of erecting 

 their power on the surest foundation, form their 

 basis on the common good." This report, and 

 the " Analyses desTravaux," have been collected 

 together as far as 1827, and published as a sup- 

 plement to the *' Q^uvres completes de BufFon," 

 edited by M. Richard, and form two octavo 

 volumes. 



The active part taken by M. Cuvier, in con- 

 junction with other savants, in the " Dictionnaire 

 des Sciences Naturelles," and the influence of 

 his name, were doubtless of infinite service to 

 this valuable enterprise. His Prospectuses were 

 quite as remarkable as any of his other produc- 

 tions, and many writers applied to him for assist- 

 ance in this respect. It was not, however, only 

 when sought that he contributed his aid ; but, 

 saying to a young author, " Let me see your 

 Prospectus," and having seen it, adding, " let 

 me arrange this for you," the next day, a page 

 or two of eloquence would be ready for the press, 

 which could not fail to produce a favourable 

 impression of the forthcoming publication. That 



